Cargo cover and partition

ABSTRACT

A cargo liner for a vehicle may include a cargo area portion sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-oriented cargo area of a vehicle. The cover may also include a seatback portion coupled to the lower portion. The seatback portion may be sized and configured to extend upwardly over a seatback of a vehicle seat. The seatback portion may include a first section, a second section, and a third section. Each of the first section, the second section, and the third section may extend from an upper edge of the upper portion to the cargo area portion. The cargo liner may include a guard portion elevating mechanism that is manipulable to cause the guard portion to transition between a lowered state and an elevated state wherein at least a segment of the guard portion proximate the cargo bed portion extends upwardly to provide a rear barrier.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/973,323, U.S. Pat. No. 10,343,568, filed May 7, 2018, which is acontinuation in part of application Ser. No. 15/632,087 U.S. Pat. No.9,963,086, filed Jun. 23, 2018, which is a continuation of applicationSer. No. 15/093,592 now U.S. Pat. No. 9,815,395, filed Apr. 7, 2016which claims benefit to Provisional Application No. 62/283,136, Aug. 21,2015, Provisional Application No. 62/283,114, filed Aug. 21, 2015, andProvisional Application No. 62/179,236, filed May 1, 2015, each of whichis incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cover for an interior of a vehicle.In particular, the present invention relates to a cover adaptable tomultiple vehicle seat configurations. In some embodiments, the cover forthe vehicle may be used as seat cover and/or a cargo bed cover. Vehicleseats may be designed to move between various configurations, such as,for example, one section up and another section folded down, in order toallow items of various sizes to be transported in the vehicle. A coverfor a vehicle seat and/or a cargo bed may be limited to a particulartype of car, with particular dimensions and features, or a particularseat configuration. In some cases, the cover may not permit movement ofthe vehicle seat between the various configurations or may cover variousfeatures, such as seat belts. In order to perform a particular functionin the vehicle, the cover may need to be removed. Further, vehicle seatsmay be exposed to various events that may damage the vehicle seats dueto, for example, pets, children, spills, objects, etc.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cover for an interior of a vehicle.In particular, the present invention relates to a cover adaptable tomultiple vehicle seat configurations. In some embodiments, the cover forthe vehicle may include a seat cover or a cargo bed cover. In someembodiments, the cover may include a lower portion. In some embodiments,the lower portion may be sized and configured to extend over ahorizontally-oriented top of a bench of a vehicle seat. In someembodiments, the lower portion may be sized and configured to extendover a horizontally-oriented cargo area of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the cover may also include an upper portion coupledto the lower portion. In some embodiments, the upper portion may besized and configured to extend upwardly over a backrest of the vehicleseat. In some embodiments, the upper portion may be sized and configuredto extend upwardly over a rear surface of the backrest.

In some embodiments, the upper portion may include a first section, asecond section, and a third section. In some embodiments, the firstsection, the second section, and the third section may extend from anupper edge of the upper portion to the lower portion. In someembodiments, the first and second sections may be separated by a firstvertical slit. In some embodiments, the second and third sections may beseparated by a second vertical slit.

In some embodiments, the cover may include a first coupling mechanism,which may be configured to directly couple the first section and thesecond section. In some embodiments, the first coupling mechanism may beconfigured to at least partially close the first vertical slit. In someembodiments, the cover may include a second coupling mechanism, whichmay be configured to directly couple the second section and the thirdsection. In some embodiments, the second coupling mechanism may beconfigured to at least partially close the second vertical slit.Coupling mechanisms may be configured to facilitate coupling anduncoupling.

In some embodiments, the first section may be configured to be folded ontop of the lower portion independently of the second and third sectionsin response to the first section being uncoupled from the second sectionvia the first coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, when the cover isused as the seat cover, the first section may be configured to be foldedon top of the lower portion independently of the second and thirdsections in response to the first section being uncoupled from thesecond section via the first coupling mechanism and/or a first portionof the backrest being moved to a folded position. In some embodiments,when the cover is used as the cargo seat cover, the first section may beconfigured to move to a generally horizontal position independently ofthe second and third sections in response to the first section beinguncoupled from the second section via the first coupling mechanismand/or a third portion of the backrest being moved to a folded position.

In some embodiments, the second section may be configured to be foldedon top of the lower portion independently of the first and thirdsections in response to the first section being uncoupled from thesecond section via the first coupling mechanism and the third sectionbeing uncoupled from the second section via the second couplingmechanism. In some embodiments, when the cover is used as the seatcover, the second section may be configured to be folded on top of thelower portion independently of the first and third sections in responseto the first section being uncoupled from the second section via thefirst coupling mechanism and the third section being uncoupled from thesecond section via the second coupling mechanism, and further inresponse to a second portion of the back rest being moved to a foldedposition. In some embodiments, when the cover is used as the cargo bedcover, the second section may be configured to move to a generallyhorizontal position independently of the first and third sections inresponse the first section being uncoupled from the second section viathe first coupling mechanism and the third section being uncoupled fromthe second section via the second coupling mechanism, and further inresponse to the second portion of the back rest being moved to thefolded position.

In some embodiments, the third section may be configured to be folded ontop of the lower portion independently of the first and second sectionsin response to the third section being uncoupled from the second sectionvia the second coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, when the coveris used as the seat cover, the third section may be configured to befolded on top of the lower portion independently of the first and secondsections in response to the third section being uncoupled from thesecond section via the second coupling mechanism and/or the thirdportion of the backrest being moved to a folded position. In someembodiments, when the cover is used as the cargo bed cover, the thirdsection may be configured to move to a generally horizontal positionindependently of the first and second sections in response to the thirdsection being uncoupled from the second section via the second couplingmechanism and/or the first portion of the back rest being moved to thefolded position.

In some embodiments, an upper portion of the first section and/or anupper portion of the third section may each include an anchor. In someembodiments, the anchor may be configured to secure the cover to aheadrest of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the cover may include one or more openings disposedbetween the upper portion and the lower portion. In some embodiments,the one or more openings may include one or more of the following: afirst opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a fourth opening.In some embodiments, one or more of the first opening, the secondopening, the third opening, and the fourth opening may include agenerally horizontal slit. In some embodiments, the first opening mayextend along a portion of a lower edge of the first section to at leastthe second section. In some embodiments, the first opening may extendalong the portion of the lower edge of the first section to the thirdsection. In these embodiments, in response to the first section beinguncoupled from the second section via the first coupling mechanism andthe third section being uncoupled from the second section via the secondcoupling mechanism, the second section may be detached or removed fromthe cover.

The second opening may extend along a portion of a lower edge of thethird section to at least the second section. In some embodiments, thesecond opening may extend along the portion of the lower edge of thethird section to the first section. In these embodiments, in response tothe third section being uncoupled from the second section via the secondcoupling mechanism and the first section being uncoupled from the secondsection via the first coupling mechanism, the second section may bedetached or removed from the cover.

In some embodiments, the third opening may be disposed between the firstsection and the lower portion. In some embodiments, the fourth openingmay be disposed between the third section and the lower portion. In someembodiments, the first opening, the second opening, and/or the fourthopening may be configured to receive a seat belt. In some embodiments,the first opening, the second opening, the third opening and/or thefourth opening may be configured to receive a fastener used to anchor achild car seat.

In some embodiments, the lower portion may include a slit, which mayextend linearly inward from a lower edge of the lower portion. The slitmay allow a section of the lower portion to be folded over to expose aportion of a floor of the cargo bay. In some embodiments, the slit mayextend linearly inward from a center of the lower edge of the lowerportion.

In some embodiments, one or more of the following may extend alongsubstantially all of a height of the upper portion: the first verticalslit, the second vertical slit, the first coupling mechanism, and thesecond coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the first couplingmechanism may extend along at least a portion of the first vertical slitand/or the second coupling mechanism may extend along at least a portionof the second vertical slit. The first and second coupling mechanismsmay each include any suitable coupling mechanism, such as for example,one or more zippers, buttons, snaps, magnets, clasps, eyelets, hooks,VELCRO™, etc.

In some embodiments, the cover may be constructed of a fabric material,such as, for example, one or more of the following: spandex knit, lycraknit, jersey knit, interlock knit, ribbed knit, terry knit, sweaterknit, modal knit, hemp knit, bamboo knit, silk knit, cotton knit, pontede roma, thermal knit, stretch lace, synthetic knit, organic knit,polyvinyl chloride, cotton, nylon, polyester, etc. In some embodiments,the fabric material may be stretchable. In some embodiments, the fabricmaterial may allow the cover to be pliable so the cover may be foldedand/or conform to a shape and dimension of the vehicle. In someembodiments, the fabric material may be weather-proof and/ormachine-washable. In some embodiments, the cover may include a firstlayer of the fabric material and a second layer of the fabric material,which may be sewn together. In some embodiments, padding may be disposedbetween at least a portion of the first and second layers of the fabricmaterial.

In some embodiments, the cover may include another layer or backinglayer, which may be disposed on at least a portion of an underside ofthe cover. For example, when the cover is used as the cargo bed cover,the backing layer may be disposed on an underside of the upper and lowerportions. As another example, when the cover is used as the seat cover,the backing layer may be disposed on an underside of the lower section.In some embodiments, the backing layer may be configured to preventslippage and/or increase friction between the cover and the seat and/orthe cargo bed. In some embodiments, the backing layer may include anetting. In some embodiments, the backing layer may be constructed ofrubber, plastic, or another suitable material that allows the cover tobe flexible and/or foldable. In some embodiments, the cover may includea water-proof coating.

In some embodiments, the cover may include a guard portion, which may becoupled to a lower edge of the lower portion. In some embodiments, theguard portion may include a pliable skirt. In some embodiments, when thecover is used as the cargo bed cover, the guard may be configured toextend over a bumper of the vehicle. In some embodiments, when the coveris used as the seat cover, the guard may be configured to extendvertically and/or generally perpendicularly from the lower portion. Theguard portion may or may not include the padding.

In some embodiments, a cargo bed cover system may include a head linercover and/or the cover. In some embodiments, the head liner cover mayinclude one or more fasteners coupled to an interior of the vehicle. Insome embodiments, the head liner cover may be disposed above the cargobed of the vehicle. The interior of the vehicle may include a ceilingand/or a door of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the head liner covermay include an elongated fabric material, which may have a lengthapproximately equal to a width of the vehicle. In some embodiments, theone or more fasteners may be configured to secure the fabric material atleast proximate the ceiling. For example, the fabric material may bespaced apart and/or touch the ceiling. The one or more fasteners mayeach include a hook, a button, a zipper, a snap, a magnet, a clasp, aneyelet, a hook, VELCRO™, or another suitable fastener.

In some embodiments, a cargo liner for a vehicle may include a cargo bedportion sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-orientedsurface of a vehicle cargo area. A seatback portion may extend from thecargo bed portion, wherein the seatback portion is sized and configuredto extend upwardly over a seatback of a vehicle seat. A guard portionmay be coupled to a lower edge of the cargo bed portion and configuredto extend over a bumper of the vehicle. The cargo line may include aguard portion elevating mechanism that is manipulable to cause the guardportion to transition between a lowered state wherein the guard portionis configured to extend over the bumper of the vehicle and an elevatedstate wherein at least a segment of the guard portion proximate thecargo bed portion extends upwardly to provide a barrier to better retainobjects within the vehicle cargo area.

The cargo liner may include a plurality of slits arranged about aperimeter of the cargo bed portion to provide at least one articulablesurface of the guard portion. Two of the plurality of slits may beinterposed between the cargo bed portion and the guard portion. Theguard portion may be generally rectangular.

The seatback portion may have a first section, a second section, and athird section, wherein each of the first section, the second section,and the third section extend from an upper edge of the seatback portionto the cargo bed portion. The cargo liner may also include a firstcoupling mechanism configured to couple the first section to the secondsection and a second coupling mechanism configured to couple the secondsection to the third section.

In some embodiments, a stiffening rod may extend across the guardportion, whereby when the guard portion elevating mechanism ismanipulated to cause the guard portion to be in the elevated state, thestiffening rod is located proximate an upper edge of the guard portion,thereby stiffening the upper edge of the guard portion to better retainobjects within the vehicle cargo area.

In some embodiments, the guard portion elevating mechanism may include apair of cargo bed coupling mechanisms on the cargo bed portion and acorresponding pair of guard coupling mechanisms on the guard portion,whereby coupling adjacent cargo bed and guard coupling mechanisms causesthe guard portion to assume the elevated state, and whereby decouplingthe adjacent cargo bed and guard coupling mechanisms allows the guardportion to transition to the lowered state. The cargo bed couplingmechanisms and the guard coupling mechanisms may include couplingmechanisms such as zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, snaps,clasps, magnets, eyelets, and hooks.

In some embodiments, the guard portion elevating mechanism may include acord extending between the cargo bed portion and the guard portion at atransition between the cargo bed portion and the guard portion and asecuring mechanism configured to reversibly secure the cord in ashortened state, whereby the shortened state of the cord retains theguard portion in the elevated state, and whereby loosening the cordallows the guard portion to transition to the lowered state. Thesecuring mechanism may include a securing mechanism such as a cord lock,a hook affixed to the cargo bed portion, a hook affixed to the guardportion, a hook affixed to a side wall or side window of the vehiclecargo area, a fastener affixed to the cargo bed portion, a fasteneraffixed to the guard portion, and a fastener affixed to the side wall orside window of the vehicle cargo area. The cord may be a shock cord.

In some embodiments, the guard portion elevating mechanism may include afastener secured to a side window or side wall of the vehicle cargo areaand a fastener engagement element located on the guard portion andspaced from a transition between the cargo bed portion and the guardportion, the fastener engagement element being configured to reversiblyengage the fastener.

In some embodiments, a cargo liner for a vehicle may include a cargo bedportion sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-orientedsurface of a vehicle cargo area, a seatback portion extending from thecargo bed portion, wherein the seatback portion is sized and configuredto extend upwardly over a seatback of a vehicle seat, and a guardportion coupled to a lower edge of the cargo bed portion and configuredto extend over a bumper of the vehicle. The cargo liner may also includea guard portion elevating mechanism that is manipulable to cause theguard portion to transition between a lowered state wherein the guardportion is configured to extend over the bumper of the vehicle and anelevated state wherein at least a segment of the guard portion proximatethe cargo bed portion extends upwardly to provide a barrier to betterretain objects within the vehicle cargo area. The cargo liner may alsoinclude a stiffening rod extending across the guard portion parallel toa line of transition between the cargo bed portion and the guard portionand spaced from the line of transition, whereby when the guard portionelevating mechanism is manipulated to cause the guard portion to be inthe elevated state, the stiffening rod is located proximate an upperedge of the guard portion, thereby stiffening the upper edge of theguard portion to better retain objects within the vehicle cargo area.

In some embodiments, the guard portion elevating mechanism may include apair of cargo bed coupling mechanisms on the cargo bed portion and acorresponding pair of guard coupling mechanisms on the guard portion,whereby coupling adjacent cargo bed and guard coupling mechanisms causesthe guard portion to assume the elevated state, and whereby decouplingthe adjacent cargo bed and guard coupling mechanisms allows the guardportion to transition to the lowered state. The cargo bed couplingmechanisms and the guard coupling mechanisms may include couplingmechanisms such as zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, snaps,clasps, magnets, eyelets, and hooks.

In some embodiments, the guard portion elevating mechanism may include acord extending between the cargo bed portion and the guard portion at atransition between the cargo bed portion and the guard portion and asecuring mechanism configured to reversibly secure the cord in ashortened state, whereby the shortened state of the cord retains theguard portion in the elevated state, and whereby loosening the cordallows the guard portion to transition to the lowered state. Thesecuring mechanism may include a securing mechanism such as a cord lock,a hook affixed to the cargo bed portion, a hook affixed to the guardportion, a hook affixed to a side wall or side window of the vehiclecargo area, a fastener affixed to the cargo bed portion, a fasteneraffixed to the guard portion, and a fastener affixed to the side wall orside window of the vehicle cargo area. The cord may be a shock cord.

In some embodiments, the guard portion elevating mechanism may include afastener secured to a side window or side wall of the vehicle cargo areaand a fastener engagement element located on the guard portion andspaced from a transition between the cargo bed portion and the guardportion, the fastener engagement element being configured to reversiblyengage the fastener.

In some embodiments, a cargo liner for a vehicle includes a cargo bedportion sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-orientedsurface of a vehicle cargo area, a seatback portion extending from thecargo bed portion, wherein the seatback portion is sized and configuredto extend upwardly over a seatback of a vehicle seat wherein theseatback portion has a first section, a second section, and a thirdsection, wherein each of the first section, the second section, and thethird section extend from an upper edge of the seatback portion to thecargo bed portion, a first coupling mechanism configured to couple thefirst section to the second section, and a second coupling mechanismconfigured to couple the second section to the third section. The cargoline may also include a guard portion coupled to a lower edge of thecargo bed portion and configured to extend over a bumper of the vehicle,a guard portion elevating mechanism that is manipulable to cause theguard portion to transition between a lowered state wherein the guardportion is configured to extend over the bumper of the vehicle and anelevated state wherein at least a segment of the guard portion proximatethe cargo bed portion extends upwardly to provide a barrier to betterretain objects within the vehicle cargo area, and a stiffening rodextending across the guard portion parallel to a line of transitionbetween the cargo bed portion and the guard portion and spaced from theline of transition, whereby when the guard portion elevating mechanismis manipulated to cause the guard portion to be in the elevated state,the stiffening rod is located proximate an upper edge of the guardportion, thereby stiffening the upper edge of the guard portion tobetter retain objects within the vehicle cargo area.

The stiffening rod may be removable from the guard portion. Thestiffening rod may be retained in a pouch or pocket disposed on one ofthe layers of the guard portion, or may be retained in a pouch or pocketdisposed between layers of the guard portion. The stiffening rod may bedisposed on a surface of the guard portion and may be retained thereonby a retention mechanism, such as a clip, a tie, a snap, or any otherretention mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other featuresand advantages of the invention are obtained will be readily understood,a more particular description of the invention briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered tolimit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top view of an example cover, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the example cover of FIG. 1, according tosome embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a portion of the example cover of FIG. 1,illustrating a first section and a third section of an upper portion ofthe cover uncoupled from a second portion of the upper portion via thefirst and second coupling mechanisms;

FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1, illustratingthe cover extending over a bench and backrest of a vehicle seat in oneconfiguration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1, illustratingthe cover extending over the bench and the backrest of the vehicle seatin another configuration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1, illustratingthe cover extending over the bench and the backrest of the vehicle seatin another configuration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a top view of another example cover, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the example cover of FIG. 7, according tosome embodiments;

FIG. 9 is top view of a portion of the example cover of FIG. 7,illustrating a first section and a third section of an upper portion ofthe cover uncoupled from a second portion of the upper portion via thefirst and second coupling mechanisms, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 7,illustrating the cover extending over a rear surface of a backrest of avehicle seat and a cargo area in one configuration, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 11 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 7,illustrating the cover extending over the rear surface of the backrestand the cargo area in another configuration;

FIG. 12 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 7,illustrating the cover extending over the rear surface of the backrestand the cargo area in another configuration, according to someembodiments, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 13 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 7,illustrating the cover extending over the rear surface of the backrestand the cargo area in another configuration, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 14 is a lower perspective view of an example head liner cover,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 15 is an upper perspective view of the example head liner cover ofFIG. 14, illustrating one or more fasteners, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 16 is a top view of another example cover, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 17 is a top view of another example cover, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 18 is a top view of another example cover, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 19 is a top view of another example cover, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 20 is a top view of another example cover, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 21 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 16,illustrating a segment of the cover being raised into an elevated stateto form a rear barrier;

FIG. 22 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 19,illustrating a segment of the cover being raised into an elevated stateto form a rear barrier;

FIG. 23 is an upper perspective view of another example cover, accordingto some embodiments, illustrating a segment of the cover being raisedinto an elevated state to form a rear barrier;

FIG. 24 is a top view of another example cover, according to someembodiments; and

FIG. 25 is a top view of another example cover, according to someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The presently preferred embodiments of the present invention will bebest understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like referencenumbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. It will bereadily understood that the components of the present invention, asgenerally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could bearranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.Thus, the following more detailed description, as represented in thefigures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed,but is merely representative of presently preferred embodiments of theinvention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the cover 10 for thevehicle may include a seat cover and/or a cargo bed cover. In someembodiments, the cover 10 may include a lower portion 12. In someembodiments, the cover 10 may also include an upper portion 14 coupledto the lower portion 12.

In some embodiments, the upper portion 14 may include one or more of thefollowing: a first section 16, a second section 18, and a third section20. In some embodiments, the first section 16, the second section 18,and the third section 20 may extend from an upper edge 22 of the upperportion 14 to the lower portion 12. In some embodiments, the first andsecond sections 16, 18 may be separated by a first vertical slit 24. Insome embodiments, the second and third sections 18, 20 may be separatedby a second vertical slit 26.

In some embodiments, the cover 10 may include a first couplingmechanism, which may be configured to directly couple the first section16 and the second section 18. In some embodiments, the first couplingmechanism may be configured to at least partially close the firstvertical slit 24, which may extend from the upper edge 22 to the lowerportion 12. In some embodiments, the cover 10 may include a secondcoupling mechanism, which may be configured to directly couple thesecond section 18 and the third section 20. In some embodiments, thesecond coupling mechanism may be configured to at least partially closethe second vertical slit 26.

In some embodiments, one or more of the following may include one ormore fasteners 28 configured to secure the cover 10 to the seat: anupper portion of the first section 16, an upper portion of the secondsection 18, and an upper portion of the third section 20. In someembodiments, the fasteners 28 may be configured to secure the cover 10to one or more headrests of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the upperportion of the first section 16 and the upper portion of the thirdsection 20 may include a fastener 28. Each of the fasteners 28 mayinclude any suitable means of securing the cover 10 to the seat. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the fasteners 28 may includea belt, which may be configured to form a loop around the headrest. Insome embodiments, the loop may include a clasp.

In some embodiments, the cover 10 may include one or more openingsdisposed between the upper portion 14 and the lower portion 12. In someembodiments, the one or more openings may include one or more of thefollowing: a first opening 30, a second opening 32, a third opening 34,and a fourth opening 36. In some embodiments, one or more of the firstopening 30, the second opening 32, the third opening 34, and the fourthopening 36 may include a generally horizontal slit. In some embodiments,the first opening 30 may extend along a portion of a lower edge of thefirst section 16 to at least the second section 18. In some embodiments,the first opening 30 may extend along the portion of the lower edge ofthe first section to the third section 20. In these embodiments, inresponse to the first section 16 being uncoupled from the second section18 via the first coupling mechanism and the third section 20 beinguncoupled from the second section 18 via the second coupling mechanism,the second section 18 may be detached or removed from the cover 10.

In some embodiments, the second opening 32 may extend along a portion ofa lower edge of the third section 20 to at least the second section 18.In some embodiments, the second opening 32 may extend along the portionof the lower edge of the third section 20 to the first section 16. Inthese embodiments, in response to the third section 20 being uncoupledfrom the second section 18 via the second coupling mechanism and thefirst section 16 being uncoupled from the second section 18 via thefirst coupling mechanism, the second section 18 may be detached orremoved from the cover 10. In some embodiments, the first section 16 maybe folded over fold line 35 and/or the third section 20 may be foldedover fold line 37.

In some embodiments, the third opening 34 may be disposed between thefirst section 16 and the lower portion 12. In some embodiments, thefourth opening 36 may be disposed between the third section 20 and thelower portion 12. In some embodiments, the first opening 34 and/or thefourth opening 36 may be configured to receive a seat belt and/or afastener used to anchor a child car seat.

In some embodiments, the cover 10 may be constructed of a fabricmaterial, such as, for example, one or more of the following: spandexknit, lycra knit, jersey knit, interlock knit, ribbed knit, terry knit,sweater knit, modal knit, hemp knit, bamboo knit, silk knit, cottonknit, ponte de roma, thermal knit, stretch lace, synthetic knit, organicknit, polyvinyl chloride, cotton, nylon, polyester, etc. In someembodiments, the fabric material may be stretchable. In someembodiments, the fabric material may be weather-proof and/ormachine-washable. In some embodiments, the cover 10 may include a guardportion 38, which may be coupled to a lower edge 40 of the lower portion12. In some embodiments, when the cover 10 is used as the cargo bedcover, the guard portion 38 may be configured to extend over a bumper ofthe vehicle. In some embodiments, when the cover 10 is used as the seatcover, the guard portion 38 may be configured to extend verticallyand/or generally perpendicularly from the lower portion 12. In someembodiments, the guard portion 38 may include one or more fasteners 42,which may be configured to secure the cover 10 to the seat of thevehicle. Each of the fasteners 42 may include any suitable means ofsecuring the cover 10 to the seat. For example, as illustrated in FIG.1, each of the fasteners 42 may include a belt, which may be configuredto form a loop around a portion of the seat, such as a leg. In someembodiments, the loop may include a clasp.

In some embodiments, the cover may be configured to hang similar to ahammock between one or more headrests disposed on front seats of thevehicle and one or more headrests disposed on back seats of the vehicle.For example, each of the fasteners 28 may be coupled with the head restsdisposed on the front seats of the vehicle and each of the fasteners 42may be coupled with the head rests disposed on the back seats of thevehicle. In these embodiments, the lower portion 12 may hang lower thanthen upper portion 14 and/or the guard portion 38.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the cover 10 mayinclude a first layer 44 of the fabric material and a second layer 46 ofthe fabric material, which may be sewn together. In some embodiments,padding may be disposed between at least a portion of the first andsecond layers 44, 46 of the fabric material. In some embodiments, theguard portion 38 may or may not include the padding. In someembodiments, the guard portion 38 may include a single layer of thefabric material.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the cover 10 may includeanother layer or backing layer 48, which may be disposed on at least aportion of an underside of the cover 10. For example, the backing layer48 may be disposed on an underside of the lower portion 12 and/or theupper portion 14. In some embodiments, when the cover 10 is used as thecargo bed cover, the backing layer 48 may be disposed on an underside ofthe lower and upper portions 12, 14. In some embodiments, when the cover10 is used as the seat cover, the backing layer 48 may be disposed on anunderside of the lower portion 12. In some embodiments, the backinglayer 48 may be configured to prevent slippage and/or increase frictionbetween the cover 10 and the seat and/or the cargo bed. In someembodiments, the backing layer 48 may include a netting. In someembodiments, the backing layer 48 may be constructed of rubber, plastic,or another suitable material that allows the cover 10 to be flexibleand/or foldable. In some embodiments, the cover 10 may include awater-proof coating. In some embodiments, one or more anchors 50 may becoupled to the underside of the cover 10. In some embodiments, theanchors 50 may be configured to be tucked into a crease in the seatbetween the backrest and the bench of the seat. In some embodiments, theanchors 50 may be looped-shaped.

In some embodiments, one or more of the following may extend alongsubstantially all of a height of the upper portion 14: the firstvertical slit 24, the second vertical slit 26, the first couplingmechanism, and the second coupling mechanism.

In some embodiments, the guard portion 38 may include one or more guardcoupling mechanisms, which may allow all or a portion of the guardportion 38 to be securely rolled or folded. In some embodiments, the oneor more guard coupling mechanisms may be disposed on a bottom orunderside of the guard portion 38. In some embodiments, each of thefasteners 42 may be folded such that a middle portion of the fastener 42is disposed between a first guard coupling mechanism 49 and a secondguard coupling mechanism 51. In some embodiments, the first and secondguard coupling mechanisms 49, 51 may then be coupled together and theguard portion 38 folded such that the fastener 42 is secured within theguard portion 38.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a third guardcoupling mechanism 53 may extend along all or a portion of an edge ofthe guard portion 38. In some embodiments, the third guard couplingmechanism 53 may be coupled with a corresponding fourth guard mechanism55. In some embodiments, the third guard coupling mechanism 53 and/orthe corresponding fourth guard coupling mechanism 55 may prevent theguard portion 38 from sagging when the guard portion 38 is rolled orfolded.

In some embodiments, a particular guard coupling mechanism 53 may beconfigured to couple with a particular fastener 42. For example, theparticular guard coupling mechanism 53 may be a loop and the particularfastener 42 may be secured within the loop. In these and otherembodiments, a single guard coupling mechanism may secure the particularfastener 42.

The guard coupling mechanisms illustrated in FIG. 2B are VELCRO™However, the guard coupling mechanisms 49, 51, 53, 55 may each includeany suitable coupling mechanism, such as for example, one or morebuttons, snaps, magnets, clasps, eyelets, hooks, VELCRO™, etc. The guardcoupling mechanisms may be disposed at any number of locations on theunderside of the guard portion 38 to allow the guard portion to berolled or folded.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the first couplingmechanism 52 may extend along at least a portion of the first verticalslit 24 and/or the second coupling mechanism 54 may extend along atleast a portion of the second vertical slit 26. The first and secondcoupling mechanisms 52, 54 may each include any suitable couplingmechanism, such as for example, one or more buttons, snaps, magnets,clasps, eyelets, hooks, VELCRO™, etc. In some embodiments, the first andsecond coupling mechanisms 52, 54 may include zippers, as illustrated inFIG. 3.

In some embodiments, a third coupling mechanism 60 may be configured toat least partially close the first opening 30. In some embodiments, afourth coupling mechanism 59 may be configured to at least partiallyclose the second opening 32. In some embodiments, the third couplingmechanism 60 may extend along at least a portion of the first opening30. In some embodiments, the fourth coupling mechanism 59 may extendalong at least a portion of the second opening 32. In some embodiments,the third coupling mechanism 60 and/or the fourth coupling mechanism 59may each include any suitable coupling mechanism, such as for example,one or more buttons, snaps, magnets, clasps, etc. In some embodiments,the third coupling mechanism 60 and/or the fourth coupling mechanism maybe disposed in a crease or seam between the lower portion 12 and theupper portion 14.

In some embodiments, the third coupling mechanism 60 and/or the fourthcoupling mechanism 59 may include VELCRO™, as illustrated in FIG. 3,which may allow the first opening 30 and/or the second opening 32 topartially open to access a seatbelt. Coupling mechanisms the same as orsimilar to the first coupling mechanism 52, the second couplingmechanism 54, the third coupling mechanism 60, or the fourth couplingmechanism 59, may be used to close or partially close the third opening34 and/or the fourth opening 36. In some embodiments, one or more of thefollowing may be eliminated: the first coupling mechanism 52, the secondcoupling mechanism 54, the third coupling mechanism 60, and the fourthcoupling mechanism 59. In some embodiments, the cover 10 may not includeone or more of the following: the first coupling mechanism 52, thesecond coupling mechanism 54, the third coupling mechanism 59, and thefourth coupling mechanism 60.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, in some embodiments, the lower portion 12may be sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-oriented topof a bench 56 of a vehicle seat. In some embodiments, a third section 58of the backrest may be configured to be folded on top of the lowerportion 12 independently of the first and second sections 16, 18 inresponse to the third section 20 being uncoupled from the second section18 via the second coupling mechanism 54. In some embodiments, when thecover 10 is used as the seat cover, the third section 20 may beconfigured to be folded on top of the lower portion 12 independently ofthe first and second sections 16, 18 in response to the third section 20being uncoupled from the second section 18 via the second couplingmechanism 54 and/or the third portion 58 of the backrest being moved toa folded position.

In some embodiments, the third coupling mechanism 60 may be configuredto at least partially close the first opening 30. In some embodiments,as illustrated in FIG. 4, the third coupling mechanism 60 may beconfigured to partially close the first opening 30 such that a seat belt62 may extend through the first opening 30. In some embodiments, thefourth coupling mechanism 59 may configured the same as or similar tothe third coupling mechanism 60.

In some embodiments, a fastener 64 may be configured to, for example,anchor a child car seat and may extend through the third opening 34and/or the fourth opening 36. In some embodiments, each of the fasteners28 may be configured to secure the cover 10 to a headrest 66 of thevehicle.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the second section 18 maybe configured to be folded on top of the lower portion 12 independentlyof the first and third sections 16, 20 in response to the first section16 being uncoupled from the second section 18 via the first couplingmechanism 52 and the third section 20 being uncoupled from the secondsection 18 via the second coupling mechanism 54. In some embodiments,when the cover 10 is used as the seat cover, the second section 18 maybe configured to be folded on top of the lower portion 12 independentlyof the first and third sections 16, 20 in response to the first section16 being uncoupled from the second section 18 via the first couplingmechanism 52 and the third section 54 being uncoupled from the secondsection 18 via the second coupling mechanism 54, and further in responseto a second portion 68 of the back rest being moved to a foldedposition, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the secondportion 68 of may correspond to an arm rest or a person location.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the first section 16 maybe configured to be folded on top of the lower portion 12 independentlyof the second and third sections 18, 20 in response to the first section16 being uncoupled from the second section 18 via the first couplingmechanism 52. In some embodiments, when the cover 10 is used as the seatcover, the first section 16 may be configured to be folded on top of thelower portion 12 independently of the second and third sections 18, 20in response to the first section 16 being uncoupled from the secondsection 18 via the first coupling mechanism 52 and/or a first section 70of the backrest being moved to a folded position.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, a cover 71 may include thecargo bed cover. In some embodiments, the cover 71 may include orcorrespond to the cover 10 described in the previous figures. In someembodiments, one or more of the first opening 30, the second opening 32,the third opening 34, and the fourth opening 36 may be absent when thecover 71 includes the cargo bed cover, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In someembodiments, edges of the lower and upper portions 12, 14 may includeslits 72 configured to facilitate folding of the cover 10 to coverportions of a side wall of the interior of the vehicle proximate thecargo bed. In some embodiments, the edges of the cover 71 may includeany number of slits 72, which may be positioned at various locations. Insome embodiments, the slits 72 may be configured to allow one or morewings 75 to be folded upward. In some embodiments, the wings 75 mayallow the cover 71 to be fitted to various cargo areas and vehicles.Thus, the wings 75 may facilitate universal usage of the cover 71. Forexample, a particular cargo area may include a protrusion, such as atire well, and the wings 75 may be configured to allow the cover 71 tobend around the protrusion. In some embodiments, the cover 71 mayinclude four slits 72, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In some embodiments,the cover 71 may have less than or more than four slits 72. In someembodiments, one or more coupling mechanisms may at least partiallyclose one or more of the slits 72, which may increase a length of aparticular wing 75.

Referring now to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, when the cover 71 is usedas the cargo bed cover, the backing layer 48 may be disposed on anunderside of the lower and upper portions 12, 14.

Referring now to FIG. 9, any or all of the first section 16, the secondsection 18, and the third section 20 may be configured to fold along anedge between the upper portion 14 and the lower portion 12. FIG. 9illustrates the second section 18 independently folded on top of thelower portion 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-13, in some embodiments, the lower portion 12may be sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-oriented cargoarea of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the upper portion 14 may besized and configured to extend upwardly over a backrest of the vehicleseat. In some embodiments, the upper portion 14 may be sized andconfigured to extend upwardly over a rear surface of the backrest.

In some embodiments, the lower portion 12 may include a slit 76, whichmay extend linearly inward from the lower edge 40 of the lower portion12. The slit 76 may allow a section of the lower portion 12 to be foldedover fold line 78 to expose a portion of a floor of the cargo bay. Insome embodiments, the slit may extend linearly inward from a center ofthe lower edge of the lower portion.

Referring now to FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the first section 16 maybe configured to move to a generally horizontal position independentlyof the second and third sections 18, 20 in response to the first section16 being uncoupled from the second section 18 via the first couplingmechanism 52 and/or the third section 58 of the backrest being moved toa folded position, as illustrated in FIG. 11. In some embodiments, whenthe cover 71 is used as the cargo bed cover, the guard portion 38 may beconfigured to extend over a bumper 80 of the vehicle.

Referring now to FIG. 12, in some embodiments, the second section 18 maybe configured to move to a generally horizontal position independentlyof the first and third sections 16, 20 in response the first section 16being uncoupled from the second section 18 via the first couplingmechanism 52 and the third section 20 being uncoupled from the secondsection 18 via the second coupling mechanism 54, and further in responseto the second portion 68 of the back rest being moved to the foldedposition.

Referring now to FIG. 13, in some embodiments, the third section 20 maybe configured to move to a generally horizontal position independentlyof the first and second sections 16, 18 in response to the third section20 being uncoupled from the second section 18 via the second couplingmechanism 54 and/or the first section 70 of the back rest being moved tothe folded position.

Referring now to FIG. 14, in some embodiments, a cargo bed cover systemmay include a head liner cover 82 and/or the cover 71. In someembodiments, the head liner cover 82 may include one or more fasteners84 coupled to an interior of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the headliner cover 82 may be disposed above the cargo bed of the vehicle. Thehead liner cover 82, however, may be disposed on any portion of theceiling and/or one or more upper side walls of the vehicle. In someembodiments, the interior of the vehicle may include the ceiling and/orthe upper side walls.

In some embodiments, the head liner cover 82 may include an elongatedfabric material, which may have a length approximately equal to orslightly longer than a width 85 of the ceiling. In some embodiments, theone or more fasteners 84 may be configured to secure the fabric materialat least proximate the ceiling. In some embodiments, the fabric materialmay be spaced apart and/or touch the ceiling. The one or more fasteners84 may each include a hook, a button, a zipper, a snap, a magnet, aclasp, eyelets, hooks, VELCRO™, or another suitable fastener. In someembodiments, an adhesive may be used to secure the fabric material atleast proximate the ceiling. The fasteners 84 may be coupled with anyportion of the head liner cover 82. For example, referring now to FIG.15, the fasteners 84 may be coupled with corners of the head liner cover82, as illustrated in FIG. 15. In some embodiments, the fasteners mayinclude hooks 88, which may be disposed in holes 90 of the head linercover 82 to secure the fabric material at least proximate the ceiling.The head liner cover 82 may be permanently or removably coupled with theceiling and/or upper side walls of the vehicle. In some embodiments, arear edge 86 of the head liner cover 82 may be disposed at leastproximate a top of a hatchback or trunk of the vehicle.

Referring now to FIG. 16, in some embodiments, a cover 91 may includethe cargo bed cover in which at least a segment of the guard portion 38can be manipulated into and retained in an elevated state wherein atleast a segment of the guard portion 38 extends upwardly to provide abarrier to better retain objects within the vehicle cargo area. In theelevated state, the segment of the guard portion 38 (or, in someembodiments, the entire guard portion 38) serves as a rear barrier tothe vehicle cargo area that may at least retain lightweight objects suchas sports balls and the like from falling out of the vehicle cargo area.In some embodiments, the rear barrier may retain even heavier objectsfrom falling out of the vehicle cargo area. In some embodiments, thecover 91 may include or correspond to the cover 10 or cover 71 describedin the previous figures. The cover 91 includes, however, featuresproviding for manipulation and retention of the segment of the guardportion 38 in the elevated state.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 16, a pair of cargo bedcoupling mechanisms 92 are disposed on the lower portion 12.Additionally, a pair of guard coupling mechanisms 94 are disposed eitherentirely on the guard portion 38 or beginning on the lower portion 12and extending onto the guard portion 38. The cargo bed couplingmechanisms 92 and the respective guard coupling members are configuredto mate together and couple the guard portion 38 to the lower portion 12(and specifically to the wings 75 thereof), whereby a forward segment ofthe guard portion 38 is accordingly forced to assume an elevated statewith the forward segment of the guard portion 38 extending generallyupwardly from the lower portion 12 and forms an upward edgeapproximately at the rearward extend of the guard coupling mechanisms. Arearward segment of the guard portion 38 may be allowed to hang downfrom the upper edge, either forward of or rearward of the segment of theguard portion 38 extending between the upward edge and the lower portion12.

In some embodiments, a stiffening material, such as a rod may be affixedto the guard portion 38 (e.g., using ties or other fasteners) or may becontained in a pocket 96 of the guard portion 38. The stiffening rodand/or pocket 96 extends generally across the guard portion 38 rearwardof a transition line between the lower portion 12 and the guard portion,and generally proximate the rearward extent of the guard couplingmechanisms 94. The stiffening rod and/or pocket 96 may be locatedslightly forward of the rearward extent of the guard coupling mechanisms94, slightly rearward of the rearward extent of the guard couplingmechanisms 94, or generally at the location of the rearward extent ofthe guard coupling mechanisms 94. In some embodiments, the stiffeningrod may be removed from the pocket 96 when the stiffening rod is notneeded. The pocket 96 may be formed in or attached to any layer of thecover 91, or may be formed between or attached between any adjacentlayers of the cover 91. The stiffening rod may have a length equal tothe width of the guard portion 38 at the location of the pocket 96, orit may have a length that is shorter than the width of the guard portion38 at the location of the pocket 96. In general, the stiffening rod willhave a length that is shorter than a width of a rear opening of thevehicle, such that when the guard portion 38 is manipulated between alowered state in which it is covering the bumper of the vehicle and theelevated state, the stiffening rod will be able to pass through the rearopening of the vehicle.

The stiffening rod, whether affixed to the guard portion 38 or containedin the pocket 96, serves to stiffen the upper edge of the guard portion38 when the guard portion is manipulated to assume the elevated state.In this way, the segment of the guard portion 38 serving as an elevatedretention barrier, will be less susceptible to sagging and allowingobjects contained within the vehicle cargo area to fall out of thevehicle cargo area. In some embodiments, the cover 91 may be used withthe segment of the rear portion 38 in the elevated state with or withoutuse of the stiffening rod. Use of the stiffening rod simply serves toreduce unwanted sagging of the segment of the guard portion 38 when inthe elevated state. If sagging is not a concern, then the cover 91 maybe used without the stiffening rod.

The cargo bed coupling mechanisms 92 and the guard coupling members 94may be any type of coupling mechanisms, including correspondinghook-and-loop fastener elements (VELCRO™), zippers, buttons, snaps,magnets, clasps, eyelets, hooks, ties, buckles, and the like. Oneelement of a coupling mechanism (e.g., a hook side of a hook-and-loopfastener or one half of a zipper chain) may serve as the cargo bedcoupling mechanisms 92, and the other element of a coupling mechanism(e.g., a loop side of a hook-and-loop fastener or the other half azipper chain) may serve as the guard coupling mechanisms 94. When thecargo bed coupling mechanisms 92 and the guard coupling mechanisms 94are not coupled or engaged, the guard portion 38 may lie generally flator in a lowered state, and may be arranged to cover the vehicle bumper,as shown in FIGS. 16 and 11, for example. In contrast, when the cargobed coupling mechanisms 92 and the guard coupling mechanisms 94 arecoupled or engaged, the forward segment of the guard portion 38 will beforced into the elevated state in which the segment extends upwardlyfrom the lower portion 12 to form a rear barrier, as shown in FIG. 21.

Referring now to FIG. 17, in some embodiments, the wings 75 may beextended to provide extended wings 98. The extended wings 98 may beextended at least toward a rearward end thereof, as illustrated in FIG.17, or the extended wings 98 may be extended along their entire length(not shown). The extended wings 98 may allow for larger (ormore/extending along a greater length) cargo bed coupling mechanisms 92and larger (or more/extending along a greater length) guard couplingmechanisms 94. In such embodiments, the rear barrier formed when thecargo bed coupling mechanisms 92 and the guard coupling mechanisms 94are engaged or coupled will form the top edge of the rear barrier at ahigher height, thereby potentially serving to better retain objects inthe vehicle cargo area.

Referring now to FIG. 18, in some embodiments, the extended wings 98 mayeach be provided with a cargo bed fastener 100. Additionally, the guardportion 38 may be provided with corresponding guard fasteners 102. Thecargo bed fasteners 100 and the guard fasteners may be configured tomate to secure the forward segment of the guard portion 38 in theelevated state. By way of example, the cargo bed fasteners 100 and theguard fasteners 102 may be mating portions of a snap, or may be a hookand an eyelet, or may be a button and a buttonhole, or may be any othertype of fastener capable of securing the forward segment of the guardportion 38 in the elevated state. As shown in FIG. 18, the guard portionof some embodiments may have the pocket 96 or other correspondingfeature to receive a stiffening material, as discussed previously.

Referring now to FIG. 19, in some embodiments a cord 104 extendingbetween the lower portion 12 (and particularly the extended wing 98) andthe guard portion 38 generally at a transition between the 38 portionand the guard portion 38. In some embodiments, the cord 104 extendsalong both sides of the cover 91, then meets at a single point where acord lock 106 may be used to tighten the cord 104. The cord 104 passesthrough one or more grommets 108 and is secured at a fixed secure point110 to the lower portion 12. When the cord 104 is pulled tight throughthe grommets 108 and the cord lock 106 is used to secure the cord 104against loosening back through the grommets 108, the forward segment ofthe guard portion 38 is drawn into the elevated state to form the rearbarrier, as illustrated in FIG. 22. When the guard portion 38 is to bemanipulated to cover the bumper and lower the rear barrier, the cordlock 106 is released to provide slack to the cord 104, which then passesthrough the grommets 108 and allows the rear portion 38 to assume thelowered state.

The cord lock 106 is merely one example of a securing mechanism toreversibly secure the cord 104 in a shortened state. Any other securingmechanism may be used, such as a a hook affixed to the lower portion 12,a hook affixed to the guard portion 38, a hook affixed to a side wall orside window of the vehicle cargo area, a fastener affixed to the lowerportion 12, a fastener affixed to the guard portion 38, and a fasteneraffixed to the side wall or side window of the vehicle cargo area. Thecord 104 may be any desirable type of cord or rope, including shockcords and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 20, in some embodiments the cord 104 extendingbetween the lower portion 12 and the guard portion 38 may be provided astwo separate and separately tightened cords 104. The function of thecords 104 to raise the segment of the guard portion 38 into the elevatedstate to form the rear barrier and to lower the segment of the guardportion 38 into the lowered state is otherwise similar to that ofembodiments illustrated in FIG. 19.

Referring now to FIG. 23, in some embodiments, the cargo area of thevehicle is provided with a vehicle fastener 112 secured to a side windowor side wall of the vehicle cargo area and a fastener engagement element114 located on the guard portion 38 and spaced from a transition betweenthe lower portion 12 and the guard portion 38. The fastener engagementelement 114 may be configured to reversibly engage the vehicle fastener112. The vehicle fastener 112 and the fastener engagement element 114may be any elements adapted to reversibly and securely couple to eachother, such as buttons, snaps, magnets, clasps, hook-and-loop fasteners,eyelets, hooks, and the like. In some embodiments, the vehicle fastener112 may be a substantially smooth surface adapted to securely receive asuction cup thereon, and the fastener engagement element 114 may be asuction cup affixed to the guard portion 38. In some embodiments, thevehicle fastener 112 may be a suction cup affixed to a substantiallysmooth surface within the vehicle cargo area and having a hook or otherfastener extending therefrom. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the pocket 96may be used in some embodiments to receive the stiffening rod tominimize sagging of the rear barrier.

As illustrated in FIG. 24, in some embodiments, the cover 91 may includefeatures relating to manipulating the guard area 38 between the elevatedstate and the lowered state, as well as other features of the cover 10or the cover 91 discussed herein. For example, in some embodiments, thecover 91 may include features relating to manipulating the guard area38, and may also retain the first vertical slit 24 and the secondvertical slit 26, whereby the upper portion 14 is separable among thefirst section 16, the second section 18, and the third section 20. Thefirst vertical slit 24 and the second vertical slit 26 may includerespective coupling mechanisms as discussed previously.

Also as illustrated in FIG. 24, the cover 91 of some embodimentsincludes slits 72. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 25, atleast some of the slits 72 may extend farther into the lower portion 12or cargo bed portion proximate the guard portion 34. In otherembodiments, the slits 72 remain the same size as discussed previously.Larger slits 72, however, may allow the wings 75 to elevate to a greaterextent such that the wings may be reversibly coupled to the segment ofthe guard portion 38 in such a way as to permit a larger segment of theguard portion 38 to assume the elevated state. In some embodiments, asillustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the cargo bed coupling mechanisms 92 aredisposed on the lower portion 12 proximate the slits 72.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that the various features andelements of the various embodiments of the present invention may bemodified and/or combined within the spirit of the present invention toprovide a seat cover, cargo seat cover, and/or head liner cover. Forexample, the size, dimensions, shapes, proportions and materials of thepresent invention may be modified as desired or necessary based on, forexample, a vehicle configuration, shape, or dimensions. For example,quantity and/or placement of one or more vertical slits, such as forexample, the first vertical slit 24 and/or the second vertical slit 26,may be varied. As another example, quantity and/or placement of one ormore openings, such as the first opening 30, the second opening 32, thethird opening 34, and/or the fourth opening 36 may be varied. In someembodiments, the one or more openings may be disposed within the firstsection 16 and/or the second section 18. In some embodiments, aparticular cover, such as, for example, the cover 10, the cover 71,and/or the cover 91, may be customized according to predeterminedspecifications to fit a particular vehicle interior. In someembodiments, a particular cover, such as, for example, the cover 10, thecover 71 and/or the cover 91, may be configured to fit various vehicleinteriors and seat configurations, as described in the presentspecification.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its structures, methods, or other essentialcharacteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter.Therefore, the described embodiments are to be considered in allrespects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of theinvention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather thanby the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaningand range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cargo liner for a vehicle, comprising: a cargobed portion sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-orientedsurface of a vehicle cargo area; and a seatback portion coupled to thecargo bed portion, wherein the seatback portion is sized and configuredto extend upwardly over a seatback of a vehicle seat, wherein theseatback portion has a first section, a second section, and a thirdsection, wherein the first section and second section are separated by afirst slit, wherein the first slit extends from an upper edge of theseatback portion along substantially all of a height of the seatbackportion but not an entirety of the height of the seatback portion suchthat a closed end of the first slit is spaced apart from the cargo bedportion by a surface of the seatback portion.
 2. The cargo liner ofclaim 1, wherein the first slit comprises an open end opening outthrough the upper edge of the seatback portion and positioned oppositethe closed end.
 3. The cargo liner of claim 1, wherein the first slit isentirely positioned on the seatback portion.
 4. The cargo liner of claim1, further comprising a second slit between the second section and thethird section, wherein the second slit extends from the upper edge ofthe seatback portion along substantially all of the height of theseatback portion but not an entirety of the height of the seatbackportion such that a closed end of the second slit is spaced apart fromthe cargo bed portion by a surface of the seatback portion.
 5. The cargoliner of claim 4, wherein the second slit comprises an open end openingout through the upper edge of the seatback portion and positionedopposite the closed end of the second slit.
 6. The cargo liner of claim4, wherein the second slit is entirely positioned on the seatbackportion.
 7. The cargo liner of claim 1, further comprising a guardportion coupled to a lower edge of the cargo bed portion, opposite theseatback portion, and configured to extend over a bumper of a vehicle.8. The cargo liner of claim 1, further comprising a first couplingmechanism configured to selectively couple the first section to thesecond section.
 9. The cargo liner of claim 8, further comprising asecond coupling mechanism configured to selectively couple the secondsection to the third section.
 10. The cargo liner of claim 1, whereinthe seatback portion is adapted to be entirely positioned on a seatbackof a vehicle seat.
 11. A cargo liner for a vehicle, comprising: a cargobed portion sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-orientedsurface of a vehicle cargo area; and a seatback portion coupled to thecargo bed portion, wherein the seatback portion is sized and configuredto extend upwardly over a seatback of a vehicle seat, wherein theseatback portion has a first section, a second section, and a thirdsection, wherein the first section and second section are separated by afirst slit, wherein the first slit extends from an upper edge of theseatback portion and is entirely positioned on the seatback portion. 12.The cargo liner of claim 11, wherein the first slit comprises an openend opening out through the upper edge of the seatback portion, and aclosed end positioned opposite the open end, wherein the closed end isdefined by the seatback portion.
 13. The cargo liner of claim 11,further comprising a second slit between the second section and thethird section, wherein the second slit extends from the upper edge ofthe seatback portion and is entirely positioned on the seatback portion.14. The cargo liner of claim 13, wherein the second slit comprises anopen end opening out through the upper edge of the seatback portion, anda closed end positioned opposite the open end of the second slit,wherein the closed end of the second slit is defined by the seatbackportion.
 15. The cargo liner of claim 11, further comprising a guardportion coupled to a lower edge of the cargo bed portion, opposite theseatback portion, and configured to extend over a bumper of a vehicle.16. The cargo liner of claim 11, further comprising a first couplingmechanism configured to selectively couple the first section to thesecond section.
 17. The cargo liner of claim 16, further comprising asecond coupling mechanism configured to selectively couple the secondsection to the third section.
 18. The cargo liner of claim 11, whereinthe seatback portion is adapted to be entirely positioned on a seatbackof a vehicle seat.